There’s always a needs list at a small professional theater company and Cincinnati Shakespeare managing director Rebecca Bowman pulled out hers, both for Shakespeare fans and to remind us just how much it costs to present live theater:
Here are some items that could make all the difference – and for everybody re-decorating, don’t overlook #5.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Holiday Wish List
1. A New Lighting System: The company has outgrown its aging equipment (our current light board is no longer serviced anywhere in the U.S.) and is in dire need of a new light board, dimmer packs, and instruments. In an emergency earlier this fall, the show went on only thanks to the help of other theatres in town who graciously loaned us their equipment. We’re also currently seeking grant opportunities to solve this problem.
The lighting package breaks down thusly (and in priority order) if anybody cares to “gift” a piece of it:
Dimmers: $5,066
Light Board: $4,725
Cabling and Hookup: $2,580
Installation: $1,478
Fixtures (New Lights): $3,472
Shipping: $460
Total Lighting Package: $17,781
2. Powered and Non-Powered Speakers; Outboard sound effects processor; Dynamic and condenser microphones: Unfortunately, our sound system is also struggling—new speakers will make for better sound quality for our audience. Microphones will allow sound designers to record and create unique sounds for shows.
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Condenser Microphones -- $150 each (need 2)Dynamic Microphones -- $80 each (need 3)
Outboard Sound Processor -- $200 to $300
Speakers -- $600 to $1200
Several of these items need to be specific brands, styles, etc, so we’d really like any angels to contact us first so that we can give them details.
3. Dress-Rite Dress Forms (one male and one female): With the size of casts expanding, our Resident Costume Designer needs to be able to have more costumes on dress forms throughout the season. Being able to fit the costume to the form first helps make fittings with actors more efficient. (Dress-Rite Professional forms -- $600 each, need one male, one female)
4. Benches/Chairs for the Lobby: Now that our lobby has been beautifully renovated, the old benches culled from various shows are just too shabby (and uncomfortable). We need a few simple, cushioned benches to give our older patrons a spot to rest at intermission. ($170 to $250 each. The theater needs 2, cushioned and backless)
- Household Items for Company Housing: Our interns and guest artists live in two lovely Victorian homes in Walnut Hills. Both houses need some additional furniture and fixings to make them more comfortable: lamps, vacuum cleaners, twin/full beds, rugs, bedside tables and other small furnishings. We prefer items that are new or gently used.
If anyone can help make our holiday wishes come true, please contact Artistic Associate Matt Johnson at matt@cincyshakes.com.
And to all our wonderful patrons who have contributed items to us in the last year, thank you again for helping us improve conditions for our artists and audience!!
